Cycliste sur route dégagée au lever du soleil, prêt pour une longue sortie avec équipement complet sur son vélo.

 Getting equipped for road cycling?

Riding for a long time is as much an art as it is a challenge.

Whether you're planning a 200km ride with friends, a mountain cyclosportive, or a solo multi-day tour, your road bike needs to be optimized for comfort, performance, and reliability.

Here's what you need to know to turn your long outings into truly lasting pleasures.

More stable, more comfortable

Choosing the right bike

Long-distance road bikes differ from traditional racing models by a more relaxed geometry, designed to reduce fatigue .

Carbon or aluminum frames with good 28mm tires, disc brakes, and a slightly raised position promote endurance without sacrificing efficiency . Some models are even designed to accommodate mudguards or panniers, perfect for bikepacking .

  • Vélo de route avec géométrie endurance posé sur une route de campagne, équipé de pneus larges et sacoches discrètes. Vélo de route avec géométrie endurance posé sur une route de campagne, équipé de pneus larges et sacoches discrètes.

Avoid long-term pain

The saddle, your best ally

Nothing ruins a long ride like an unsuitable saddle . To maintain your fit, invest in an ergonomic saddle that's been tested on multiple rides. Good cycling shorts with a quality chamois are also essential.

Feel free to slightly adjust the tilt or height to suit your posture over long distances.

  • Zoom sur une selle ergonomique et un cuissard cycliste haut de gamme en pleine sortie longue distance. Zoom sur une selle ergonomique et un cuissard cycliste haut de gamme en pleine sortie longue distance.

Keep your hands on the handlebars

Manage navigation without stopping

Over 100, 150 or 200 km, finding your way effectively is crucial .

The Shapeheart smartphone mount for bikes offers an elegant and secure solution: magnetic, stable even on bumpy roads, and detachable in one movement to consult the screen. It allows you to use a GPS or a training app without letting go of the handlebars or risk dropping your phone. A real plus for keeping the pace and following your route without interruptions .

  • Support smartphone magnétique fixé sur le guidon d’un vélo de route, affichant une appli GPS en action. Support smartphone magnétique fixé sur le guidon d’un vélo de route, affichant une appli GPS en action.

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Eat and drink

Be proactive

Bring two water bottles on the bike, and carry easily digestible foods: energy bars, dried fruit , gels or small sandwiches. Eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty.

Discreet frame bags keep everything close at hand without weighing down your pockets.

  • Deux bidons fixés sur un cadre de vélo, avec des barres énergétiques rangées dans une sacoche de cadre. Deux bidons fixés sur un cadre de vélo, avec des barres énergétiques rangées dans une sacoche de cadre.

Ride far, but always be ready

Think about mechanics and autonomy

A long ride means anticipating problems: punctures, a broken chain, sudden rain, etc.

A repair kit , an inner tube, a compact pump and a windbreaker should be part of your setup. Some cyclists also carry a lightweight external battery for their phone or GPS .

  • Cycliste arrêtant son vélo pour réparer une crevaison, avec une mini-pompe et une chambre à air à ses pieds. Cycliste arrêtant son vélo pour réparer une crevaison, avec une mini-pompe et une chambre à air à ses pieds.

Long-distance road cycling is an exciting discipline that combines self-management, road fun and exploration.

Are you a fan of long outings? Share your tips in the comments!

Also read our article on how to properly adjust your bicycle saddle

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